BOING!

Today’s post is part of the Christian Writer’s blog chain. This month, our theme is “Savor.” Please visit my friends’ blogs by clicking on the links in the right-hand column.

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Yesterday was the first day of Spring. The time of renewal.

Isn't spring everyone's favorite time of year? Even here in California, the shift from a 65-degree winter to a 75-degree springtime brings with it a happier heart; an easier mood; and lighter clothing.

With spring comes possibilities, plans and projects and the sense of pent-up energy and gotta-do’s, wanna-do’s and am-gonna-do’s that we call "spring fever."

But it’s also time to savor.

So…allergies allowing…we leave the house and step into God's spring-filled world and begin the savoring.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank you for seasons. Thank you for springtime that reminds us that you are the living God who renews all things. Please renew our spirit by showing us how to savor the natural beauty you created. Amen.

WHAT ABOUT YOU? What’s the best part of spring?

DAFFY DOWN DILLIES

There’s a farm in the foothills of Northern California called Daffodil Hill. Each spring thousands of people drive to the farm, park and stroll through the fields, thrilling in the sight of acres of yellow daffodils dancing happily in the spring breeze.

The daffodil (and its cousins jonquil and narcissus) is the flower for the month of March. And it reminds me of Jesus.

The daffodil grows from a bulb. When the blossoms above ground die, the bulb below goes dormant throughout the fall and winter, returning to blossom again in the springtime. It is one of the first flowers to bloom in spring, signaling the end of the dead season. It is therefore a classic symbol of rebirth, the resurrection of Jesus and our being born again in Him.

The daffodil is also a symbol of friendship. It reminds me of the song: What a friend we have in Jesus. And then it reminds me of one of the last things Jesus said before returning to heaven: that he was leaving the Holy Spirit to be our guide, our counselor and our friend.

The daffodil is also a symbol of domestic happiness. Philippians 3:20 says: But our citizenship is in heaven. Earth is our temporary home. Our true and eternal home is heaven. And when we get there, we’ll have true domestic happiness.

Every spring I think about planting daffodil bulbs. But by the time I’m reminded by seeing the happy yellow blossoms in our neighbor’s yard—it’s too late to plant them. So once again, those delightful yellow blossoms sitting on my counter come fresh from the grocery store. Reminding me of Jesus.

Happy birthday to everyone born in March!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank you for the beauty of springtime and the reminders of rebirth and of our eternal home in heaven. Every time we look at a flower, please remind us that it is a gift from you and a reminder of your glory. Amen.

WHAT ABOUT YOU? Of the daffodil, jonquil and narcissus, which is your favorite?

February Iris and Violet http://fromcarolsquill.blogspot.com/2012/02/irises-violets-focus-on-jesus.html

January Carnations http://fromcarolsquill.blogspot.com/2012/01/bouquets-of-carnations.html

December Poinsettias http://fromcarolsquill.blogspot.com/2011/12/poinsettias-and-promises.html

November Chrysanthemum http://fromcarolsquill.blogspot.com/2011/11/mums-word.html

October Marigold http://fromcarolsquill.blogspot.com/2011/10/marys-gold.html 

September Asters and Morning Glories

http://fromcarolsquill.blogspot.com/2011/09/stars-and-glories.html 

August Gladiolas and Poppies

http://fromcarolsquill.blogspot.com/2011/08/glads-and-poppies.html

July Larkspurs and Lilies

http://fromcarolsquill.blogspot.com/2011/07/larkspurs-and-lilies.html

June Roses http://fromcarolsquill.blogspot.com/2011/06/like-rose.html